IMPACT OF NATIONAL POVERTY ERADICATION PROGRAMME (NAPEP) ON GENDER EQUALITY FOR RURAL WOMEN IN MUBI-NORTH AND MUBI SOUTH LGAS OF ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The objective of this research work is to evaluate the impact of National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) on Gender Equality for rural women in Mubi-North and Mubi South LGAs of Adamawa state, Nigeria. This research made use of a mixed methods approach. A mixed methods approach is very useful for research since it allows relevant design variables, which usually guarantees opportunities to achieve the set objectives of the research. This study was conducted in Mubi-North and Mubi South LGAs of Adamawa State. The target population for this study consist of the 21 Staff of NAPEP and the 604 women beneficiaries of the various poverty eradication programmes in Mubi-North and Mubi South LGAs of Adamawa State. Using the Taro Yamane Methods of calculating sample population, the sample population for the study was 260 respondents comprising of 20 Staff of NAPEP and 240 women beneficiaries of the various NAPEP programmes in Adamawa State respondents from Mubi-North and Mubi South LGAs in Adamawa State. This study utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. These included: Questionnaire, and Focus Group Discussion. The questionnaire method was used because of its reliability in providing required information. It is also recommended as it permits wider coverage at lesser cost. The FGD was used in collecting first-hand information from the pupils in the various sample schools. The FGD was used voluntarily with some selected respondents in the study area this will encourage the respondents to open up and share their experiences. The researcher will discuss with a set of ten staff NAPEP stakeholders and 10 women beneficiaries of NAPEP programme. The FGD comprised open-ended questions that addressed all the objectives of the study. Data collected for this study were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Data obtained from questionnaire will be quantitatively analyzed using a statistical package for social science research (SPSS) version 20 and this will be guided by the research objectives. The responses from focus group discussions will be qualitatively 

analyzed thematically, narratively and qualitative content analysis done in line with the research objectives. Through this analysis, it will possible to outline and summarize the data. The paper concluded that NAPEP is indeed, a conscious effort by Nigerian government to ensure Gender Equality for rural women. Based on the above conclusion, the following recommendations were put forward:- Government should try and monitor all allocations when it is been allocated to a region, community or state to avoid diversion.

Keywords: NAPEP, Gender Equality, Rural Women